1 Samuel 14:31-46 – Victory Spoiled By a Sinful King part 2
By praying when he should be pursuing and fasting while trying to fight, Saul is doing a great job of nullifying what could have been a great victory. When the restrictions on eating are lifted in the evening the hungry soldiers fall on the spoil to devour it, without regard to ceremonial requirements that blood be drained from meat (Leviticus 17:10-14). Saul’s rash vow has led the people into sin. More seriously, it leads to Saul nearly killing his own son. Jonathan, unaware of the vow, tastes a little honey. The scene is described to us almost in slow motion in verse 27 – it’s like an M&S Food advert. When Saul receives no guidance from God about further pursuit (verse 37) it is determined that someone has sinned (verse 38). Saul makes another rash vow about the culprit being executed (verse 39), and when Jonathan is selected by lot Saul resolves that he must die (verses 44). The people have to intervene to save his life.
Here’s the picture of Saul: he was not willing to let his people eat blood, but was willing to shed the blood of his son. He’s ignoring the more significant commandment, while fussing about minor details of the ceremonial law. Jesus’ words to the Scribes and Pharisees apply here too: “You should have practised the latter without neglecting the former” (Matthew 23:23). He should have repented of his rash vows rather than try to carry them out. One writer says, “This is the blind unreasoning of a man whose moral and religious instincts are badly confused.” He has hindered the victory and nearly executed his heroic heir.
The victory isn’t pressed home because the king they’ve chosen is a sinner and a fool. He’s a threat and a liability. God’s people have put their trust in the wrong place – in one who cannot save. There is a King who saves – he is the one the people rejected: the LORD. Human solutions fail when they start with the rejection of God. Keep that in mind for governments, charities, and education.
Questions
- How does this chapter show the unsuitability of Saul as king?
- In what Christ-rejecting institutions do we often place our hope for help?
Prayer Points
- Pray for Christ to be at the centre of our national life.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.